Easy tools for using robotics in the classroom

Using robotics to
inspire learning isn’t a new concept, but finding easy-to-implement resources
for getting can be a struggle for many educators, parents and students.

Here’s a look at how members of the ISTE community are using robotics both in
and out of the classroom:

Robots for all learners

<A RobotBASIC: This is a
free tool for schools, teachers and students. Developed with help from 33-year
education veteran John Blankenship, it's among the most powerful educational
programming languages available, with nearly 900 commands and functions. LEGO
Robotics: Perhaps one of the most widely used robotics programs in schools and
after-school clubs, LEGO Robotics lets students at any learning level create and
command robots. Students can learn as much about problem solving and
collaboration as engineering and programming. EZ-Robot: EZ-Robot provides a
platform that scales between beginner and advanced users, who learn logic,
soldering, electronics and modular design, all while modifying a toy shell into
a personal robot. Raspberry Pi: The Raspberry Pi is a series of credit
card-sized single-board computers developed in the United Kingdom to teach basic
computer science in schools. Raspberry Pi 3 is the third generation. The boards
cost between $20-$35. littleBits: These fun, easy-to-use electronic building
blocks empower kids to create inventions, large and small. Bee-Bot: This
colorful, friendly, easy-to-operate robot is ideal for teaching sequencing,
estimation and problemsoving. It also eaches perseverance and collaborative
skills.

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